"I don't see our governor being a strong leader," said Gipson, who represented Putnam and Dutchess for one term as state senator in the 41st district. "Our future is in danger."

Professor Zephyr Teachout picked up 34 percent of the vote in her primary bid against Cuomo in 2014 when Cuomo went on to defeat Republican challenger Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive, in the general election.

Cuomo would be seeking a third four-year term in 2018.

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner is also being mentioned as a possible primary challenger to Cuomo. The 47-year-old Miner, who will be term limited out of her job by year's end, has been an outspoken critic of Cuomo.